Thousands Protest Spains Abortion Law

Tens of thousands of people rallied against legislation that would allow girls as young as 16 to have abortions without parental consent in traditionally Catholic Spain. The nation’s Catholic bishops had urged people to participate in a rally on Oct. 17 along a major boulevard in Madrid. In late September, the government formally approved the Bill on Reproductive and Sexual Health and Voluntary Interruption of Pregnancy. The legislation would make abortion available on demand in Spain up to 14 weeks into a pregnancy as long as the woman receives information at least three days before the procedure about her rights and about the help she can expect to receive as a mother if she continues her pregnancy. Abortion is currently allowed in Spain during the first 22 weeks of pregnancy, but only in cases of rape, genetic defect or threats to a woman’s health.